Robert Wedderburn (poet)

Robert Wedderburn (c. 1550 – c. 1635) was a Scottish poet, translator, and cleric. He is primarily known for his contributions to the Gude and Godlie Ballatis, a collection of popular songs adapted with religious lyrics, designed to replace secular ballads. His exact birth and death dates are uncertain, but it is generally accepted that he flourished during the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

Wedderburn was likely born in Dundee, Scotland, and was part of a family with strong connections to the Reformation. His brothers James Wedderburn and John Wedderburn were also notable figures in the Scottish Reformation and contributed to the Gude and Godlie Ballatis.

While specific biographical details are scarce, Robert Wedderburn is believed to have served as a minister, possibly in Dundee. He is credited with translating and adapting several popular songs and hymns into Scots, imbuing them with religious themes and moral messages. The Gude and Godlie Ballatis aimed to provide the common people with accessible religious material in their vernacular language, making religious teachings more relatable and memorable. The collection was highly influential in shaping Scottish religious culture and played a significant role in the spread of Reformation ideas.

Although it's difficult to definitively attribute specific ballads solely to Robert Wedderburn, his overall contribution to the Gude and Godlie Ballatis is acknowledged and considered important to the history of Scottish literature and religious reform.